Sabah mum's example to M'sians
Published on: Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: On the occasion of the nation's 59th independence, a Sabah story may well underscore the meaning of what it means to be truly Malaysian – willing to sacrifice whatever the risk.A 27-year-old Kadazan, Marie Christie Robert, did not think twice when someone Whats-apped to her in March, this year, that her former SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin Maths teacher, Cheong Siew Hua, was dying from liver failure due to Hepatitis B. She decided to do what to many others may seem unthinkable, considering that Malaysia is facing a dire need of organ donors – she willingly parted with more than half her liver.
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"60 per cent of my liver is in Cikgu Cheong's body," the mother of a three-year-old told Daily Express, in an exclusive."He was my secondary Maths teacher back in 2006. Since then I never met him until late last year at a wedding of a relative," she said. Cheong, 57, whose last posting was Headmaster of SK Moyog, was given only two months to live."I knew deep in my heart, I must save someone's life. Hard to explain why I did it, I know no one would understand me."It was my aunty Flora who initiated the search for a liver donor but kept asking whether I knew what I was doing, whether I had thoroughly thought about it, whether I was serious enough to give away part of my liver, and so on," she recalled.
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In doing so she naturally faced apprehension from her husband and parents but deep inside she felt that she would be incomplete if she did not do a selfless act for a fellow Malaysian who faced a life-or-death situation."I only had God with me, when I made up my mind. I surrendered it 100pc to the Almighty," she said.
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"I didn't think so much of the consequences, as I put my focus on saving the life of another human."Even mechanic husband Chin Chee Ken asking her to think twice was brushed aside. Seeing her determination to pursue with the transplant, Ken let his wife carry out her wish.Before going to Taiwan she even celebrated an advance third birthday with her son, Isaiah. "His birthday is on May 12, but I wanted to do it in April (before the operation). Then I gave some money to my parents. I made them cry. I cried, too. But that was the best thing I could do (at that time). I was not too sure how it might turn out after the operation," she cried."Ken was very supportive of my decision. Of course he did not agree at first, but looking at how serious I was, he relented and gave all his might and support for me to go ahead," said Marie.Asked how she broke the news to her parents, she said she decided to tell them only on the eve of her departure to Taiwan for the transplant. "I knew the response will not be on my side, so I kept it for a while from my parents, until a day before my departure. I bravely went to see my dad face-to-face and broke the news. I was asking for his blessing, it was too late for him to reject or disapprove my intention. I guess I put him in a very difficult situation," she admitted.Her dad, Robert Phan, praised his daughter for her courage in making the bold decision to pursue with the transplant despite getting negative response almost from everyone in the family. "She is beautiful, she is a good daughter, she has a young child and a caring husband, what else she wants in life. But acknowledging what she did was something out of anyone's mind. She's always been an obedient daughter and I salute her," said Robert.Marie who with her slim and slender body and long straight hair, could easily be mistaken for a model, said all her life she had an inner feeling to do something meaningful and satisfying, but never knew what it was. She obtained a diploma in physiotherapy and did a stint helping stroke patients at Nasam (National Stroke Association of Malaysia), besides working in a few related clinics. She then joined Hap Seng's property division to try out something challenging and was happy with the job. "But still deep down, there was a vacuum, I felt empty inside."I knew there was something out there I needed to do, but I just didn't figure out what was it to be" she said. Marie recalled the weeks before flying to Taiwan with her husband. "Can you imagine, I was going away to be operated and was uncertain of what was next. So much of 'ifs' came to my mind. What if I 'couldn't come back after that, what if the transplant didn't go through, what if cikgu Cheong's body could not accept my liver, and so on."At that point of time, I left it all to God. I knew exactly how my parents felt about all this too.""Even my superior at (Hap Seng), James Ting, was against the idea. But when one has put his/ her foot down, no one can stop it. "I was adamant to go ahead. In the end, James said 'Just follow your heart and everything will be taken care of." The happiest people at that time were the Cheong family, especially their three children upon knowing there was a ready donor. Upon receiving word about Marie's intention, Cheong's wife, Chong, also wanted to know if Marie really wanted to go ahead. But she assured the wife that she was doing it on her own free will and was aware of the consequences."I could really feel for the (Cheong's) children. They must have prayed really hard for their daddy. I was indeed very happy that they valued my sacrifice for their father. The children call me 'Angel' for helping give life to their dad." she laughed. According to his wife, Chong Pik Yen, they initially found a donor who was his own (Cheong's) sister as their blood type matched. But was turned down as she, too, had hepatitis. The news broke their heart. None of their three children matched their father's blood type either, which added to further desperation.At the Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital on Chung Yan Road, Hualien, Taiwan, the liver transplant was performed by Dr Lee Ming Han, a liver surgeon on 27th April. Marie was the 62nd liver donor at the hospital."Everything went well for both of us. Doctor and nurses were very professional. The operation was a success.We were all very happy. I was extremely happy as I could go back feeling good about it. I then felt a sense of satisfaction within me. I felt so complete," said Marie. She had 57 stitches following the procedure which looked more like being stapled in a 'L' shape, while Cikgu Cheong's operation was like a 'T' shape,' she said.Today, Marie looked at life differently. Having saved someone is a joy for her as she could make another family happy once again after a 'tragedy'.""I never intended to ask anything in return, that's not what I believe in. But as I have gone through this 'trial', I kind of agree that 'nothing is actually impossible'. "It is a matter of what you want in life, what you yearn to do in life, how do you want to achieve something in life. It is as simple as that. Ask our heart and we shall get the answer. I just did it!."Marie has some advice to the young – that, the best thing to do while we are living is to do something worthwhile."People of my age love going to pub, hanging out with peers and that is perfectly normal. But if they could do something worthwhile and beneficial to the society, contribute their skills to assist the needy, share more of their time with family (instead of friends) the world will be healed instantly.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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